HIV Treatment As Preventive Method

Hiv Condition

Hiv  Condition

Like other forms of HIV prevention, using HIV treatment as prevention must be assessed for its effectiveness, resources to carry out the plan, funds to support the program, and the targeted population that will be reached. Using antiretroviral treatment for HIV can cause severe side effects and may lead to resistance to the drug if not taken precisely as prescribed. Therefore, while a Swiss study in 2008 proved that if an effective antiretroviral treatment is followed by an HIV-positive person to prevent passing the virus on to their HIV-negative partner, it is completely up to the HIV-positive person whether they want to take the treatment.

The above situation is only possible if the HIV-positive individual is free of any STDs and has an undetectable viral load while taking the antiretroviral HIV treatment as prevention. This fact was emphasized once the Swiss statement was released because it became apparent that there is a link between viral load and HIV transmission. There is a new approach by advocates of putting an end to the AIDS pandemic, which is to test and then treat areas of generalized epidemics.

How does the "test and treat" strategy work? After individuals in highly HIV-affected areas are tested for the virus, they are to be immediately treated if diagnosed positive, whether or not their systems have been damaged. This is the prime technique in the HIV treatment as prevention effort that will continue until 2015. Will it work? The virus may not be detectable until the infected person has had HIV for up to three months. A person may receive a false negative during this period of time, meaning the test reads negative even though they are indeed infected. It is ironic that during this early phase in having the condition, an HIV-infected person is most highly infectious. This is the biggest flaw in the effectiveness of HIV treatment as prevention.

How would individuals be affected by the treatment? Once an infected individual begins antiretroviral treatment, they must take it for the remainder of their life to avoid resistance to the drug. The long-term side effects of this HIV treatment as prevention are still not known. These disadvantages are the primary reasons why antiretroviral treatment is only recommended for those who already have HIV. Is HIV treatment as prevention really feasible? While it is impossible to detect every HIV-infected person around the world-due to populations without access to HIV testing and the stigma associated with being tested for HIV-barriers are already being addressed.

By Alain Lafeuillade

Steps For HIV Treatment

                                                              

The human immunodeficiency virus is chiefly caused by contact with vaginal fluid, semen or blood infected by the disease. HIV is typically spread via these three causes:

A victim of Hiv

- HIV may be spread to infants from their mothers during childbirth or during nursing.
- Sexual contact with someone infected with HIV.
- Contact with an infected needle or syringe (Sharing needles with someone infected with HIV).

HIV Precautionary Measures Include:

- Discuss HIV and other STDs with your sexual partner.
- Learn as much as possible about your partner's past sexual behavior, other sexual partners, drug use and lifestyle.
- Use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
- Never share needles or syringes with anyone.
- Get tested for HIV and other STDs.

                                                              HIV Treatments

Although there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, it is a manageable virus. Advances in HIV treatments since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in the 1980s have helped to weaken the progression of the HIV infection to AIDS. As a result of advancements in medical research and sciences, the number of fatalities resulting from AIDS has decreased in the United States. All blood donated to blood banks and infirmaries in the United States are now tested for HIV. As a result, contracting HIV from a blood transfusion is very rare.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there are currently thirty-one antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV and AIDS. These drugs do not cure or get rid of HIV or AIDS, but they do suppress the virus and allow the infected person to live a longer, richer, healthier life. It is important to note, that although the virus can be suppressed via use of ARVs, HIV/AIDS can still be spread by the infected individual. It is important that the infected person use all precautions to forestall the spread of the virus to others.

                                 Treatment Complications, Risks and Possible Side Effects

Like many drug treatments, the medications used to treat HIV/AIDS can cause complications and side effects. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on rare occasion can cause serious medical complications including: changes in metabolism and bone loss. Patients need to be aware of possible complications when taking any medication and be alert to their body's response to the drug. It is important to communicate any concerns regarding your HIV treatment with your physician.

Research has shown that HIV can create strains resistant to antiretroviral drugs when patients fail to take all their prescribed medications consistently. It is essential for patients to talk to their physicians regarding their concerns or hardships with their suggested drug regimens. Some patients experience disagreeable side effects and may have difficulty keeping up with the required daily medication schedule. If this is the case, it is recommended that the patient and physician find an alternative solution as quickly as possible as inconsistency with antiretroviral drugs may allow the HIV infection to become resistant to that specific treatment.

                                                     HIV Support Groups

Support groups and connections with others who are also living with HIV/AIDS may provide some benefit. Connecting with others who share your medical condition may provide emotional support, a sense of unity and may help prevent individuals from feeling isolated in their illness. The World Health Organization states that support groups can provide important psychosocial support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Becoming infected with HIV can affect all aspects of the infected individual's life as well as the life of their family and caregivers. Support groups may help HIV patients better cope with their illness. Support groups should not be used to replace professional psychological services. 
By:Jhonny Vaz